A Study on the Birth, Confession and Death of Ānanda

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE This study focuses on Bhikkhu Ānanda, who not only cared deeply for the Buddha and contributed to women's renunciation, but also played an important role in the gathering of the sutta. In particular, this paper attempts to approach the Ānanda, focusing on the Pāli Buddhist scriptures.CONTENTS First, Ānanda's family history and time of birth are unclear. This study organizes various hypotheses through literature. Second, Buddha's death changed the status of Ānanda. Mahākassapa became the leader of Sangha, leading the First Buddhist Council. Although Ānanda undertook a massive task of memorizing sutta, he was punished by Saṅgha. He considered himself not to be at fault, but he was compelled to apologize in order to maintain Saṅgha's unity. There are also scenes where Mahākassapa rebukes Ānanda. Finally, His death is also inaccurate. According to the Pāli Commentary, He lived another 40 years on the premise that he was the same age as the Buddha. And if we deduce that King Ajātasattu watched Ānanda's death, He lived another 20 years after the Buddha's death.RESULTS A search of the Pali literature on his life allowed a more specific approach.